Sahana Rajiv built a project that, when completed, earned her the highest award in the Girl Scouts.
Sahana, who will enter her senior year at Bridgewater-Raritan High School in September, was honored with the Girl Scout Gold Award, the iconic group’s highest achievement.
“For my Gold Award project, I developed a program that introduces children to architecture through hands-on building with LEGO bricks and STEM learning tools,” Sahana explained. “This community service initiative was designed to make architecture education more accessible and engaging for young learners”
According to the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey website, Sahana created an innovative tool that makes architecture, design, and STEM learning more accessible to young people.
The website further revealed her award-winning effort.
“For her project, Sahana developed a web-based platform that converts 3D model files into buildable LEGO® sculpture instructions, giving students a hands-on way to explore complex concepts in a creative and engaging format. Her goal was to bridge the gap between technology and accessibility—helping students not only understand STEM, but experience it.
“Sahana brought her idea to life by building and deploying the platform using Cursor, then leading interactive workshops where students learned how the software works and created their own models. Through these sessions, participants developed problem-solving skills, explored design thinking, and gained confidence in their ability to create with technology.”
“To ensure her project would have a lasting impact, Sahana focused on sustainability from the start."
Her project featured the following tasks.
Donated lesson kits to a local library’s LEGO club
Created step-by-step facilitator and student guides
Trained youth volunteers to independently lead future workshops
Produced online tutorial videos so the program can reach beyond her community
“Her web app also remains publicly available, allowing anyone to access and use the tool. Through her project, Sahana not only introduced students to STEM concepts but also empowered them to see themselves as creators and innovators.”
“The Girl Scout Gold Award challenges girls to take action on issues they care about and create lasting change in their communities and beyond. Through her dedication, innovation, and leadership, Sahana Rajiv has done exactly that—building a resource that will continue to inspire and educate for years to come.”
Sahana shared the motive behind her mission.
“I wanted to create something that combined creativity with STEM and made complex ideas feel approachable,” she said. “Students can use emerging technology not just for entertainment, but to build meaningful tools that help others learn.”
Damian Storey, who is the Assistant Principal for the Class of 2027 at Bridgewater-Raritan High School, was thrilled with Sahana’s award-winning showing.
“This is an amazing accomplishment! Combining software like Cursor with Legos was a great idea,’ Mr. Storey said.
Sahana concluded:
“Being a Girl Scout means using leadership and creativity to make a meaningful impact on my community.”It’s about identifying a problem, taking initiative, and building a sustainable solution.”